His Excellency Nikesh Mehta OBE

His Excellency Nikesh Mehta OBE

Nikesh (Nik) Mehta is the British High Commissioner to Singapore.

Nikesh Mehta is a distinguished British diplomat whose journey from overcoming early challenges to becoming the British High Commissioner to Singapore serves as an inspiring testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of embracing one’s authentic identity. Born to a Gujarati family with roots tracing back to Uganda, Nikesh’s upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for cultural heritage and the importance of community. His early career in the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) was marked by a period of self-discovery, where he initially felt the need to conform to traditional diplomatic norms. However, over time, he recognized that his unique background and perspective were invaluable assets, allowing him to connect more deeply with diverse communities and navigate complex international relations with empathy and insight.

Throughout his extensive diplomatic career, Nikesh has held pivotal roles that have shaped his approach to international diplomacy. His tenure as the UK’s Deputy Head of Mission in Seoul, South Korea, from 2018 to 2022, and his subsequent position as Director for Policy and Requirements in the UK’s National Security Community, honed his expertise in foreign policy and security matters. In July 2024, he was appointed as the British High Commissioner to Singapore, a role in which he has effectively utilized his leadership skills to strengthen bilateral relations, promote trade and investment, and foster cultural exchanges between the UK and Singapore. Nikesh’s journey underscores the importance of authenticity in leadership and the profound impact of embracing one’s heritage in serving others. His story continues to inspire future generations of diplomats to lead with confidence, integrity, and a commitment to building bridges across cultures.

Nik was awarded an OBE in HM The Queen’s 2014 Birthday Honours for his contribution to British foreign policy and diversity.

British High Commission

The British High Commission in Singapore maintains and develops relations between the UK and Singapore. We encourage Singapore to look to the UK as a global partner of choice in trade, investment, science and research, and we help Singapore on low-carbon economic development. Every year, we help about 100 UK companies gain a foothold in Singapore. We also work with Singapore to protect the national security of both countries, including through holding joint military exercises under the Five Power Defence Arrangements.